Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
2026
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Karla Abela
Abstract
Improving Prostate Cancer Patients’ Experience and Understanding With a Pre-CT Simulation Checklist in Genitourinary Radiation Oncology
Purpose
The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to implement a Pre-CT Simulation checklist for Prostate cancer patients in the outpatient Radiation Oncology Genitourinary clinic to improve patients’ experience and comprehension on their Simulation Day.
Background
The CT simulation is a critical step in treatment planning. Lack of clear, concise, consistent instruction and education preparation prior to simulation day can delay planning and treatment. Currently, there is no standardized checklist to ensure patients are educated and prepared for their CT simulation day. This can negatively affect patients’ comprehension and experiences.
Methodology
The PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) framework guided this quality improvement project. A standardized pre-simulation checklist was created and used to prepare patients for simulation day. Clinical nurses were educated on the checklist before implementation. Prostate cancer patients who presented to the clinic during the 4-month project period completed pre- and post-surveys to assess their experiences and comprehension. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results and compare the effectiveness of the checklist intervention.
Results
The pre-CT simulation checklist was administered to 31 patients. The implementation of the checklist increased the average patient experience score from 6.7 (neutral to satisfied) to 9.3 (extremely satisfied), and the comprehension score from 10% (pre-intervention) to 83.9% (post-intervention).
Implications
Findings indicate that a Pre-CT Simulation Checklist successfully improved patients’ experience and understanding on their simulation day. Clinical staff training and workflow integration (to improve efficiency and reduce work burden) were essential for successful implementation. Ongoing feedback from clinical staff was important for long-term sustainability.
Keywords
Radiation Oncology, Prostate cancer, Genitourinary Oncology, Simulation, Checklist, Patient education, Pre-treatment education, Patient experience, Quality improvement, Cancer care delivery
Recommended Citation
Christopher Le, "Improving Prostate Cancer Patients’ Experience and Understanding With a Pre-CT Simulation Checklist in Genitourinary Radiation Oncology" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 231.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/231
Included in
Male Urogenital Diseases Commons, Medical Education Commons, Nursing Commons, Oncology Commons, Quality Improvement Commons, Radiation Medicine Commons, Radiology Commons, Urology Commons